New Treatment Is Saving Eyesight of Diabetics

Local doctors studying an unusual treatment to save the eyesight of people with diabetes Laser surgery has been used in the past, but it doesn’t work for everyone. Now doctors at John Hopkins have discovered a new therapy that mya breathe new life into some damaged eyes.

"By giving patients with diabetic macular edema supplemental oxygen where they simply breathe higher levels of oxygen in , this resulted in a decrease in thickening in the retina and some improvement in visual activity," said Dr. Peter Campochiaro, Johns Hopkins University.

With diabetes, high levels of blood sugar damage blood vessels and cause leakage. Leaky blood vessels cannot carry enough blood or oxygen to allow the retina to function normally.

Dr. Quan Nguyen, The Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins: "That causes the retina to thicken therefore causing the vision to be deteriorated."

To Help, patients in the study are given oxygen tanks to use 24 hours a day for 3 months. The added oxygen they breathe in goes to the retina. This helps thin the retina, which improves vision.

Patients in the study are provided with a stationary oxygen concentrator for home and portable oxygen tanks to use outside the home.
The Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins is currently enrolling more patients for this study.

================================

The First Step Program© is now available in the U.S. The only walking program that has gone through clinical studies and has been published in scientific journals showing its effectiveness in increasing physical activity. Start the New Year by taking the First Step to better health for your patients. www.firststepprogram.com Then go to www.firststeptracker.com and have access to your patients steps/day information. Coming Soon: Steps-To-Health Program: